46 homes gutted as rain and dust storm wreak havoc in South Punjab

LAHORE: One unidentified man was killed, nine people were injured and dozens of homes were damaged after strong winds, dust storms and rain hit parts of south Punjab over the last 24 hours, according to officials.

Rescue 1122 officials said 46 house fire incidents were reported in Bate Sauntra in Alipur tehsil after high winds and a dust storm swept through the area. They said around 64,000 kilogrammes of wheat were also destroyed in the fires, while five people suffered injuries.

In Rajanpur district, an unidentified man died in Kot Mithan on Rohjan Road, while four other people were injured, Rescue 1122 officials said. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority also reported weather-related incidents in Rajanpur and Muzaffargarh, where strong winds damaged solar panels and triggered fires, causing losses to property and livestock.

Officials said 115 animals were killed and three were injured in the affected localities. The dead animals included 45 goats, 15 cows and calves, five donkeys, and 50 chickens and ducks.

Authorities issue alerts

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directed the relevant authorities to ensure medical care for the injured and asked commissioners, deputy commissioners and Rescue 1122 officials across the province to remain on high alert because of forecasts of more severe weather. He also instructed Rescue 1122 and other emergency services to keep staff and machinery ready for any emergency response.

The PDMA said financial assistance for affected families had been initiated on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. PDMA Director General Umar Javed said the provincial control room and all district emergency operation centres had been placed on high alert and that the situation was being monitored around the clock.

According to Javed, windstorms, rain and hailstorms are expected from June 2 evening to June 5. He urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel during this period and advised people to stay away from electricity poles and low-hanging power lines and to seek shelter during lightning activity. He also asked parents to ensure children did not go near dilapidated buildings during rain and windstorms.

The PDMA separately issued an alert for rain, strong winds and hailstorms in most districts of Punjab until June 5, 2026. A PDMA spokesperson said rain was forecast in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Faisalabad, Jhang, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Khushab and Mandi Bahauddin.

Rain is also likely in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Jhang and adjoining areas. People have been advised to avoid open fields, tall trees and unsafe locations, while farmers were asked to take precautionary steps to protect their crops in view of the expected weather conditions.